Mixed-Use and Commercial Design Manual: S TOD C

SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR
Mixed-Use and Commercial Design Manual
ADOPTED JULY 2009

Table of Contents i
Chapter 1: Introduction................................................................................... 1
PURPOSE OF THE MIXED-USE & COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL ................................................... 1
APPLICABILITY ...................................................................................................................... 1
CONTENTS OF THIS DESIGN MANUAL ....................................................................................... 2
Chapter 2: Determining Land Use Type and Mix ................................................. 5

PERMITTED/PROHIBITED USES ................................................................................................. 5
SPECIAL USE CRITERIA ........................................................................................................... 8
REQUIRED MIX OF USES ......................................................................................................... 8
Ground Floor Uses........................................................................................................................ 10
Relationship of Uses (Vertical vs. Horizontal) ............................................................................... 10
Chapter 3: Intensity and Dimensional Standards ................................................ 11

INTENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS .............................................................................. 11
GENERAL INTENT ................................................................................................................ 11
Chapter 4: Design and Development Standards ................................................. 13

SITE PLANNING ................................................................................................................... 13
Site Layout and Building Organization.......................................................................................... 13
Build-To Zone................................................................................................................................ 15
Landscaping ................................................................................................................................. 16
Streetscape Design and Character ............................................................................................... 17
Community Amenities .................................................................................................................. 18
PARKING AND CIRCULATION ................................................................................................. 20
Parking Location and Screening ................................................................................................... 20
Required Parking.......................................................................................................................... 21
Pedestrian Circulation and Connections ...................................................................................... 23
Utility and Mechanical Equipment ................................................................................................ 25
BUILDING DESIGN AND CHARACTER ....................................................................................... 26
Building Massing and Form .......................................................................................................... 26
Building Materials......................................................................................................................... 26
Street Level Interest...................................................................................................................... 28
Mix of Housing Types ................................................................................................................... 29
Structured Parking........................................................................................................................ 30
RELATIONSHIP TO SURROUNDING DEVELOPMENT ..................................................................... 31
Transitions .................................................................................................................................... 31
Chapter 5: Definitions ................................................................................... 33
SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR | MIXED-USE & COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL

ii Table of Contents
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MIXED-USE AND COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL | SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR

Introduction 1
Chapter 1: Introduction
Purpose of the Mixed-Use & Commercial Design Manual
The purpose of this Mixed-Use and Commercial Manual is to implement the vision, goals, and
policies established by the city’s TOD Corridor Master Plan. The manual specifically aims to:
Encourage a more compact, pedestrian and transit-supportive pattern of commercial development
within the TOD corridor;
Ensure that future activity centers within the TOD corridor are compatible with the surrounding
neighborhood context and with the city’s adopted TOD Corridor Master Plan;
Provide a more flexible set of tools with which mixed-use development can be accomplished within
the corridor; and
Increase the predictability of the development process within the corridor for applicants and the
city.
Applicability
The design standards contained in this manual apply to each of the land use categories, defined by
Table 1, below. Boundaries of each land use category are established on the Land Use Framework
map located on page 3. If a conflict should arise between these standards and those contained in
another TOD Design Manual or the Municipal Code (as applied to a particular development), the
requirements set forth in this Design Manual shall take priority.
Table 1: Applicability by Land Use Category

Land Use Applicability Exceptions
Category
Mixed Residential All new commercial and mixed- • Renovation of an existing single-family home
use development, infill, or business or routine maintenance and
redevelopment, exterior repair of a structure or other feature on the
Mixed-Use modifications and major surrounding site, such as roof replacement
Commercial renovation projects. or general repairs to a parking area or other
site feature.
• Free-standing residential development
Downtown/Victorian included as part of a larger mixed-use
Square development.

2 Introduction
Contents of this Design Manual

In addition to this introductory chapter, this Mixed-Use and Commercial Design Manual contains the
following:
Chapter 2: Determining Land Use Mix and Type

This chapter establishes a list of permitted/prohibited uses for each land use category, along with a set
of Special Use Criteria. Required mix of uses by location and land use category are also established,
along with criteria for evaluating the placement of uses on a site-by-site basis.
Chapter 3: Intensity and Dimensional Standards

This chapter establishes intensity and dimensional standards — such as setbacks, height, and density
requirements — as they pertain to different locations within the corridor.
Chapter 4: Design and Development Standards

This chapter contains design standards specific to mixed-use and commercial development in the
corridor, addressing issues such as site layout and building design and character.
Chapter 5: Definitions
Chapter 5 provides a list of and definitions of key terms as used in the Mixed-Use and Commercial
Design Manual.

Land Use Framework City of Sparks, Nevada
1 2 3 4
West End/Downtown Central/I-80 Sparks Marina Employment
Sparks Center District District District District
Rock Boulevard
Sullivan Lane
Oddie Boulevard
El Rancho Drive
Pyramid Way

Way
Prater

e
d r

eva
F Street Lincoln Way
oul
nB
Gateway Driv
a
a rr
ri n a
D Street
Ma
Mc C
9th Street
7th Street
6th Street
4th Street
11th Street

Howard Drive
15th Street

14th Street
Lillard Drive
C Street
Sparks Boulevard
Stanford Way
19th Street
Victorian Avenue
! I-80
§
¦
¨
Vista Boulevard

Glendale Avenue

Legend Land Use Framework*

TOD Boundary Downtown Sparks Center Residential Neighborhood Downtown/Victorian Square Major Activity Center ! RTC Centennial Plaza Å
Sparks City Limits 70 db Noise Contour Mixed-Residential Mixed-Use Commercial
Minor Activity Center
JULY 2009
Streets 65 db Noise Contour Civic Employment Source: City of Sparks GIS, Clarion Associates
BRT Route
*Refer to TOD Plan for detailed description of land use categories.
0 0.125 0.25 0.5

Miles
4 Introduction
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Determining Land Use Type and Mix 5
Chapter 2: Determining Land Use

Type and Mix
This chapter identifies land uses that are permitted or prohibited within the corridor by land use category.
Criteria for determining the required mix of uses for sites with a mixed-use designation and the overall
proportion of each use are also provided.
Permitted/Prohibited Uses
Table 2 defines uses that are allowed within the TOD corridor. The types of uses permitted or
prohibited vary for different areas of the corridor based on the land use category assigned by the Land
Use Framework map. Uses not identified in Table 2 are prohibited in the TOD corridor.
A mix of uses is required for several land use categories, depending upon the size and location of the
site, as specified in this section. Allowed uses are subject to the requirements and design standards
contained in this manual, as applicable.
Table 2: Permitted/Prohibited Uses

P = Permitted; X = Not Allowed; S = Special Use Permit Required
Land Use Category
Type of Use MU-C MR DT/VS RN EMP
Residential
Bed and breakfast inn P P P S X
Boarding and rooming house P P P P X
Dwelling, single family P P P P X
Dwelling, two-family P P P P X
Dwelling, multi-family P P P P X
Home occupations P P P P X
Live/work dwelling P P P S P
Office/Professional
Banks and other similar financial institutions (drive-thru) S S S X P
Banks and other similar financial institutions (no drive-thru) P P P X P
Offices P P P X P
Medical offices and medical clinics P P P X P
Commercial/Service/Retail
Adult care P P P S X
Adult day care P X X S P
Animal shelter X X X X P
Assisted living facilities P P P S S
Automobile service station S X S X S
Child care facility requiring more than one caregiver P S P S S

6 Determining Land Use Type and Mix

Land Use Category
Drive-through businesses S S S X S
Entertainment facilities P S P X X
Farmers market P P P X X
Gaming establishment (non-restricted) S S S X X
Gaming establishment (restricted) P P P X P
Group home P P P S X
Health club, recreational facility (less than 3,000 s.f.) P P P X P
Health club, recreational facility (greater than 3,000 s.f.) S S S X S
Hotels P S P X S
Outdoor sales and service operations S S S X X
Outside storage accessory to retail S S S X X
Parking structure, public or private (as a primary use) S S S X S
Restaurant/bar P P P X P
Restaurant/bar, drive-in or drive-through S S S X S
Retail P P P X X*
Personal services P P P X X
Smog shop S X X X S
Theater P P P X X
Veterinary clinic P P P X P
Industrial
Auto and truck repair shop X X X X P
Indoor manufacturing, fabricating, or processing X X X X P
Mini-warehouse, self-storage S X X X S
Outdoor storage X X X X P
Research and development X X X X P
Truck stop S X X X S
Wholesale distribution, warehousing, and storage X X X X P
Civic and Institutional
Public transit parking facilities S X S X P
Church P S P S S
College, technical school S X S X S
Hospital S X S X S
Library P P P S P
Museum P P P S S
Open space, park P P P P P
Public parking garage P P P X P
Public facilities P P P S S
Public utility structures P S S S P


Land Use Category
School (public or private) P S P S S
Accessory Uses
Accessory dwelling unit P P P P X
Accessory retail and personal service, office, or recreational X X X X P
use
Residential quarters for a guard or caretaker X X X X P
* Retail is a permitted use in the employment district for properties zoned TOD which share a common
property line with the ROW of Lincoln Way.

Special Use Criteria

In addition to the findings listed in Section 20.13 of the Municipal
Code, findings from a preponderance of evidence must indicate that
the proposed use:
Is consistent and compatible with the TOD Plan and Standards;
and
Is integrated with or can be integrated with as part of a broader
mix of uses to support an active "people-oriented" environment
within the TOD corridor.
Required Mix of Uses

Mixed-use development within the TOD corridor will come in many
forms and sizes. The type and proportion of residential and non-
residential uses will vary by each site’s designated land use category,
as well as its location, size, and the surrounding development context.
For example, a mixed-use commercial development located on an
individual parcel away from a primary street frontage may reasonably
contain a lower percentage of non-residential development than one
that is located with direct access and visibility from the primary street
frontage. Alternatively, on some smaller parcels, integrating multiple
uses may not be feasible or even desirable.
How to Determine Appropriate Mix and

Relationship of Uses
Table 3 establishes a required mix of uses for each of the three mixed-
use land use designations (Mixed-Use Commercial, Mixed Residential,
and Downtown Sparks Center) identified on the Land Use Framework
map. The required mix of uses is calculated at two levels:
Minimum Number of Use Types: This requirement establishes the
number of uses that must be selected from the Residential,
Office/Professional, and Commercial/Service/Retail Use Groups
identified in Table 2, above. Uses contained within the Civic and
Institutional Use Group may not be credited towards the minimum
number of use types required.
Minimum/Maximum Percentage of Non-Residential/Residential
Uses: This requirement provides guidance on the general
composition of mixed-use development desired. Minimum
percentages represent the minimum percentage of the finished
floor area that must be devoted to a particular use group.
Mixed-use development within the In addition to the land use designation, requirements vary according
corridor will vary in its intensity and mix to the location and size of the site. Generally, sites located in areas
of uses depending upon its location and
the surrounding development context. where higher levels of activity (e.g. within downtown, along proposed
MIXED USE AND COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL | SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR

BRT routes) are desirable are required to have a greater mix of uses
than those located within or adjacent to established neighborhoods.
Table 3: Required Mix of Uses by Land Use Designation/Site Size/Location

Land Use Category
Location/ Downtown/Victorian Square Mixed-Use Commercial Mixed Residential
Site Size
2-10 Acres
>10 Acres
1-5 Acres
2-5 Acres
>5 Acres
<2 Acres
>5 Acres
<1 Acre
<1 Acre
Downtown Sparks Center or within proximity of Victorian Avenue
Minimum # 1 2 3 1 2 3 N/A N/A N/A
of use types
Minimum % N/A Residential N/A Residential min. = N/A N/A N/A
non- min.=25% 30%
residential Non- Non-residential
and Residential min.= 25%
residential min.=40%
Not located in Downtown Sparks Center or within proximity of Victorian Avenue
Minimum # 1 1 2 1 2 3 N/A N/A N/A
of use types
Minimum % N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
non- N/A
residential
and
residential
Within proximity of proposed BRT route
Minimum # 1 2 2 1 2 3 1 2 2
of use types
Minimum % N/A N/A N/A Residential min. = N/A Residential min.
non- 30% = 75%
residential Non-residential Non-residential
and min.= 25% min.= 10%
residential
Not within proximity of proposed BRT route
Minimum # 1 2 2 1 2 3 1 1 1
of use types
Minimum % N/A N/A N/A Residential min. = N/A
non- 75%
residential Non-residential
and min.= 10%
residential

Siting Considerations for Mixed-Use Projects

Many factors will guide the types of uses each project may support and the configuration of those
uses. These factors include market demand, visibility, access, and size among others.
The following considerations should be used as a guide for the design and review of mixed-use
projects.
Ground Floor Uses

The incorporation of retail shops and/or restaurants is encouraged at the street level to promote a
more active environment for pedestrians and to support residential and office uses located within
the same building (on upper floors) or nearby. This configuration of uses is particularly
encouraged along Prater Way, Victorian Avenue, and other transit corridors. Within mixed-use
activity centers, these uses should be concentrated adjacent to major public spaces and in other
areas where a high level of pedestrian activity and visibility is desirable. If a limited portion of a
structure’s ground level will be devoted to retail or restaurant space, such space should be located
along those facades adjacent to or most visible from transit corridors, primary street frontages, or
major pedestrian walkways. Additional standards for parking structures apply. See Chapter 4:
Building Design and Character (Structured Parking).
Relationship of Uses (Vertical vs. Horizontal)

Although a vertical mix of uses is preferred within major activity centers as defined in the TOD
Corridor Master Plan (e.g., residential or office over retail), the scale of most major activity centers
will warrant a combination of vertical and horizontally mixed uses on the same site. Horizontally-
mixed uses are typically located in close proximity to each other as part of a larger development;
however, each building maintains its own separate use. Higher intensity, vertically mixed-uses
should be concentrated near transit stops, outdoor gathering spaces, and other areas where a
high level of activity is desirable.
MIXED USE AND COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL

Intensity and Dimensional Standards 11
Chapter 3: Intensity and

Dimensional Standards
The TOD Corridor Master Plan establishes minimum density requirements for different areas within the
corridor. These minimum densities were established to promote a more compact, transit-supportive pattern
of development within the corridor and to satisfy regional requirements for TOD corridors. Minimum
densities are highest in areas that are currently served by transit or are planned to be served by transit in the
future such as the Downtown Sparks Center, along Prater Way and Victorian Avenue, and within mixed-
use activity centers. Lower minimums have been established within established single-family neighborhoods
and in other areas where a more context sensitive approach is called for by the TOD Corridor Master Plan.
Intensity and Dimensional Standards

All mixed-use and commercial development occurring within the corridor shall be subject to the
intensity and dimensional standards in Table 4. These intensity and dimensional standards may be
further limited or modified by other applicable sections of this Development Code. Additional
regulations are set forth immediately following the table.
General Intent
The intensity and dimensional standards established by this chapter are intended to:
Encourage concentration of the highest development intensities within the corridor’s major activity
centers and along transit corridors;
Establish a pedestrian-friendly street environment in high activity locations within the corridor; and
Offset lower development intensities within established residential neighborhoods in the corridor.
Table 4, below, summarizes site development standards by land use category and location, as well as
any exceptions that may apply.

12 Intensity and Dimensional Standards
Table 4: Intensity and Dimensional Standards

Land Use Category
Site Mixed Residential Mixed-Use Downtown/
Development Commercial Victorian Square
Standard Within Not Within Within Not Within Downtown Not Downtown
Proximity of Proximity of Proximity of Proximity of Sparks Sparks Center
BRT BRT BRT BRT Center
0.75 0.5 0.75 0.5 1.5 1.0

Exceptions: Pre-existing parcel 20,000 sq. ft. or less, None.
located within proximity of proposed BRT route, must
have a min. FAR of 0.5. Sites greater than 100,000 s.f.
Minimum
must have a minimum density of 1.0 FAR.
Density (FAR)[1]
Incremental Density Increase: Minimum densities will be reviewed for a potential increase
every five years until minimum standards required by the Truckee Meadows Regional Plan
are achieved. Regional market conditions, demand for commercial and retail services,
and related factors will be evaluated as part of the review process.
Build to Zone 0 (20 maximum) 0 (20 maximum) 0 (20 maximum)
(ft)[2] At least 60 percent of At least 60 percent of At least 80 percent of primary
primary street frontage primary street frontage street frontage must be
must be occupied by a must be occupied by a occupied by a building wall
building wall building wall
Rear 0 (20 minimum along street frontage shared with existing residential neighborhood; 30
Setbacks (ft)
yard minimum along lot lines shared with existing residential neighborhood)
Side yard 0 (20 minimum along street frontage shared with existing residential neighborhood; 30
minimum along lot lines shared with existing residential neighborhood)
Minimum Lot 6,000 s.f.

Size [3]
Maximum 45[4] 150[4] 90[4] none[4]

Height (ft)[4]
[1]FAR is calculated based on a cumulative project. Densities for residential units included as part of a
vertically-mixed use building shall be calculated based on the minimum FAR’s above. Densities for single-use
residential buildings included as part of a mixed-use development shall be as required by the Residential
Design Manual.[2]See example on page 15 of this Design Manual.
[3] Minimum lot size may be waived if five or more lots are created.
[4]Transitions required, see Chapter 4, Relationship to Surrounding Development.
MIXED USE AND COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL | SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR

Design and Development Standards 13
Chapter 4: Design and

Development Standards
The mixed-use land use group includes those areas designated for Mixed-Use Commercial, Mixed-
Residential, and Downtown Sparks Center on the Land Use Framework map contained in the adopted
TOD Corridor Master Plan. Each of the mixed-use land use categories is based around a concept of
encouraging a broader mix of uses (typically a variety of residential, retail, and/or office) within a single,
higher-intensity development. As a result, many of the design standards contained in this section are
applicable to all three land use categories. Where unique considerations exist and a particular design
standard is intended to apply only to a specific land use category, the applicable land use category(s) will be
noted.
Site Planning
Site Layout and Building Organization Building Organization
Intent THIS
To promote a compact, pedestrian-friendly and transit-supportive
pattern of development in mixed-use areas of the corridor;
To reinforce and build upon the established urban fabric of the
corridor;
To minimize the visual impacts of parking within mixed-use areas;
To guide the organization of mixed-use development in a variety of
contexts and at a variety of scales.
Design Standards NOT THIS
Building Organization—General
Commercial and mixed-use developments shall be organized to create
pedestrian-friendly spaces and streetscapes. These objectives shall be
accomplished by placing a percentage of the building wall at the back
of the sidewalk edge (or “building to” the sidewalk), as required in
Chapter 3: Intensity and Dimensional Standards, and by using building
walls to frame and enclose at least two of the following (numbers keyed
to graphic on following page): Developments shall be organized to
create pedestrian-friendly spaces
and streetscapes.

14 Design and Development Standards
3
1
4
2
1. The corners of street intersections or entry points into the

development;
2. A "main street" pedestrian and/or vehicle access corridor
within the development site;
3. On at least three sides parking areas, public spaces, or
other site amenities; or
4. A plaza, pocket park, square, or other outdoor gathering
space for pedestrians between buildings.
Building Organization—Major Activity Centers

The large scale of Major Activity Centers within the corridor will require
an additional layer of consideration for building organization. In
addition to meeting the general standards for building organization
above, buildings within Major Activity Centers shall be organized to
reinforce a pattern of individual blocks. Blocks shall:
Be designed as an extension of the surrounding neighborhood—
aligning with and connecting to adjacent streets and mirroring the
scale and orientation of adjacent blocks (for residential areas of the
activity center); and
Be consistent with maximum block size standards, as contained in
this manual.
MIXED-USE & COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL | SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR

Integration of Residential Uses

Residential uses incorporated as part of a larger mixed-use development
shall be visually and physically integrated with non-residential uses. This
objective shall be achieved by ensuring that residential uses are:
Integration of
Located above street-level retail stores/restaurants in a vertical Residential Uses
mixed-use setting;
THIS
Used to provide a transition between the highest-intensity uses within
the center and the adjacent neighborhood; and
Not walled off from non-residential uses.
Overall percentage of residential development required shall be as
defined in Chapter 2 of this manual.
Drive-Through Facilities
Drive-through facilities associated with a primary use shall not be NOT THIS
located within proximity of Prater Way, Victorian Avenue, or other major
transit corridors, or located within the Downtown Sparks Center.
Build-To Zone
Intent
To promote a more urban, transit-supportive pattern of commercial
and mixed-use development within proximity of Prater Way, west of
14th Street, along Victorian Avenue, within the Sparks Marina
District, and within the corridor’s activity centers. Residential uses need to be visually
and physically integrated with non-
To establish a strong building edge at the street level in high activity residential uses
locations within the corridor.
Design Standards
Build-To Zone
Table 4 contains setback
requirements for mixed-use
and commercial development
by location. Build-to zones
should be applied in context
with standards for Site Layout
and Building Organization
Screened Parking
contained in this chapter. Area or Community
Amenity
Min 60-80% of Primary Street Frontage

occupied by building wall (varies by location)

Landscaping
Intent
To emphasize the use of landscaping at the street edge where it is
most visible and will provide needed shade, as well as where an
enhanced pedestrian environment is most important from a safety
and transit supportive perspective;
To promote a more compact, urban pattern of development along
the city’s major transit corridors; and
To provide an incentive for infill and redevelopment along the
city’s major transit corridors.
Design Standards
Minimum Landscape Requirements
The minimum portion of the site area to be landscaped shall be as
noted in Table 5 below.
Table 5: Minimum Landscape Requirements
Land Use Category Minimum Landscaped Area*
Mixed Residential 15 percent

Mixed-Use Commercial 15 percent
Downtown Sparks Center 10 percent
*Opportunities for reduced landscape requirements apply, see
Incentives section below.
Specifications for landscape materials shall be as defined in Section
20.32.060 of the Sparks Municipal Code, unless otherwise specified
by this manual.
Incentives
For developments located within proximity of Prater Way, Victorian
Avenue, or other major transit corridors, or located within the
Downtown Sparks Center or Sparks Marina District, the minimum
portion of the site area to be landscaped shall be 10 percent.
Landscaped areas provided in accordance with the Streetscape
Design requirements below, and the Community Amenities
requirements contained in this chapter, may be credited towards
the minimum landscape requirements above.

Streetscape Design and Character
Intent
Streetscape Character
To provide a safer, more comfortable environment at the street
edge that encourages pedestrian activity and creates a more
THIS
transit-supportive environment;
To enhance the appearance of streets within the TOD corridor
area; and
To distinguish the character of residential streets within the corridor
from transit corridors and other areas where higher levels of
pedestrian activity are desirable.
Design Standards
NOT THIS
Sidewalks
Clear Zone
All development located along Prater Way, Victorian Avenue, or a

designated BRT route shall provide an attached sidewalk a minimum
of ten feet in width. This standard shall also apply for mixed-use
portions of major and minor activity centers and other areas where
high levels of pedestrian activity are desired. In all other locations,
sidewalks shall be a minimum of six feet.
Clear Zone
Street furniture shall be placed so as to maintain a clear pedestrian
walkway that is a minimum of six feet in width. The Clear Zone shall
be unobstructed by any permanent or nonpermanent element for a Min 6’: Clear Zone
minimum width of six feet and a minimum height of eight feet. Street
furniture includes benches, trash receptacles, outdoor dining areas, Provide a more comfortable
environment at the street edge to
and other pedestrian amenities. encourage pedestrian activity

Street Tree/Furniture Zone

The Street Tree/Furniture Zone shall have a minimum width of four
feet (from face of curb) and shall be continuous and located adjacent
to the curb. The area shall be planted with deciduous street trees at
an average spacing of 25 feet on center. The area also is intended for
the placement of street furniture including seating, street lights, waste
receptacles, fire hydrants, traffic signs, newspaper vending boxes,
bicycle racks, public utility equipment such as electric transformers and
water meters, and similar elements in a manner that does not obstruct
pedestrian access or motorist visibility. Specifications for tree calipers
and species shall be as defined in Section 20.32.060 of the Sparks
Municipal Code. In all other locations, street trees may be located in
Community Amenities
a landscape area adjacent to the sidewalk.
Alternative Configurations
Alternative streetscape configurations and widths may be approved by
the Administrator where the above configurations are not feasible. For
example, existing development patterns and lot depths along some
portions of Prater Way would limit sidewalk widths.
Community Amenities
Intent
To encourage the incorporation of more urban, pedestrian and
transit-supportive site development patterns; and
To encourage the incorporation of a range of community
amenities such as public art, street furniture, and public plazas
along major transit corridors to provide visual interest and
encourage pedestrian activity.
Design Standards
Quantity
A minimum of 25% of the required landscaped area of sites located
within proximity of Prater Way, Victorian Avenue, or designated BRT
route or that are located within the Sparks Marina District shall be
devoted to community amenities that are accessible to the public.
Community amenities shall be located:
Adjacent to or are integrated with on-site transit stops where one
Approved community amenities include exists or is planned; or
raised landscape planters (top), seating In areas of high pedestrian activity where no transit stop exists or is
areas (middle), and may include
decorative items such as clocks planned, such as along a pedestrian “main street” within a
(bottom). designated mixed-use activity center.

Approved Amenities
Community amenities used to satisfy the above standard shall be On-Site Amenities
comprised of a public plaza or similar outdoor gathering space whose
surface is clearly defined through the use of decorative paving (e.g.,
stamped, colored concrete, ornamental pavers) and is furnished with 3
or more of the following:
Benches or seating areas;
Raised landscape planters;
Historic markers as provided in accordance with a property’s
acceptance on a local, State, or National historic register;
Shade structures;
Public art (e.g., sculptures, murals, water elements, carvings,
frescos, mosaics, and mobiles;
Courtyard;
Bike racks;
Decorative transit shelters as approved by RTC and the city; or
Similar features as approved by city staff.
Easements may be required from the city to accommodate the above On-site community amenities in the
amenities. Downtown Sparks Center may include
rooftop gardens (top) and
public/private outdoor gathering
Incentive: Downtown Sparks Center spaces (bottom).
To encourage the adaptive reuse of existing buildings within the
Downtown Sparks Center land use category (e.g., the conversion of an
existing hotel to multi-family residences), up to 50% of the required
landscaped area (not including required streetscape) of the site may
be devoted to on-site amenities for the project’s residents with staff
approval. Amenities eligible for consideration include:
Balconies;
Rooftop gardens;
Plazas; or
Other public or private outdoor gathering spaces.

Parking and Circulation

Parking Location and Screening
Intent
To minimize the visual impacts of parking and maintain a
pedestrian-friendly environment at the street edge;
To ensure that infill and redevelopment is compatible with the
established character of the historic neighborhoods located within
the TOD corridor area; and
To reduce infill and redevelopment barriers by allowing for more
compact parking configurations that maximize the efficiency of on-
site parking and increase buildable areas.
Design Standards
Location
All on-site, surface parking for buildings located within proximity of
Prater Way, Victorian Avenue, or other major transit corridors, or
within the Sparks Marina District shall be located at the rear of the
building.
Building additions located within proximity of Prater Way, Victorian
Parking Lot Screening Avenue, or other major transit corridors that increase parking
requirements shall locate new on-site parking at the rear of the
building.
THIS
Alternative parking configurations may be permitted for multi-
building developments within the mixed-use commercial
designation subject to compliance with standards for setbacks and
building organization as contained in this manual.
Screening
All surface parking lots visible from the public right-of-way shall be
screened using one of the following methods, unless otherwise
NOT THIS noted, below:
A decorative masonry wall in combination with landscaping; or
A wrought iron or other ornamental fence in combination with
landscaping.
To satisfy the above standard:
Landscaping shall be planted between the wall and the public
right-of-way, sidewalk, or boundary; and
All surface parking lots visible Walls, fences, and landscaping shall not exceed 3 feet in height to
from public right-of-way shall adequately screen most car headlights while maintaining clear
be screened.
visibility into and out of the parking lot.

Incentive: Parking Lot Screening

To maximize available space developments of less than 10,000
square feet, or that involve the renovation of an existing building may
use an ornamental fence or wall as a standalone screening
mechanism to meet the surface parking screening requirement above..
Podium Parking
Podium Parking
Openings in podium parking areas shall be designed to screen views
of parked cars from surrounding properties through the use of
architectural screens or similar features, as approved by the
Administrator.
Required Parking
Off-Street Parking Spaces—Number Required

Off-street parking shall be provided in accordance with Section
20.49.020 of the Sparks Municipal Code, unless otherwise noted
below.
Off-street parking requirements for residential portions of a mixed- Podium parking shall be screened
use residential development are set forth in Table 6, below. using architectural screens or similar
Additional credits and reductions may be allowed, as outlined features.
below.
In all calculations of the minimum or maximum amount of
parking, fractions shall be rounded down to the nearest whole
number.
Table 6: Residential Parking Requirements

Type of Use Min. Parking Max. Parking Spaces
Spaces Required Permitted
Studio/Efficiency 0.75 spaces/residential 1 space/residential unit
Unit unit
1 bedroom unit 1 space/residential unit 1.5 spaces/residential unit
2 bedroom unit 1.25 spaces/residential 1.75 spaces/residential unit
unit
3 or more 1.5 spaces/residential unit 2 spaces/residential unit
bedroom unit
Senior citizen 0.5 per unit plus 1 per 0.75 per unit plus 1 per
housing employee for the largest employee for the largest
shift, except by special use shift, except by special use
permit. permit.
Guest Parking 1 space per 15 dwelling 1 space per 10 dwelling
units in addition to units in addition to
minimum off-street minimum off-street parking
parking requirements. requirements.

Incentives: Parking Credits and Reductions

Parking credits and reductions may be granted by the Administrator
based on the criteria below, provided the applicant provides a parking
study that demonstrates that parking demands will be met with
alternative parking configuration or requirement. In some instances a
parking study may not be required. These instances are noted where
applicable below.
On-Street Parking Credit

On-street parking credits for Parking District 1 shall be as contained in
the Sparks Municipal Code.
Shared Parking Credit

The amount of off-street parking required may be reduced by an
amount determined by the Administrator when it can be demonstrated
through a parking demand study, prepared by a licensed Traffic
Engineer,that sufficient parking is or can be met by using shared
parking. The parking demand study shall provide information and
evidence about the anticipated parking demand, identifying peak
times during the day and the distance relationship between available
shared parking spaces and the specific uses shared.
Van Shuttle and Bus Pass Credit

Mixed-use developments located within ¼ mile of an existing transit
stop may be eligible for additional parking reductions if free bus
passes or van shuttles are provided for residents. Reductions shall be
granted in the amount of 0.25 spaces for each free bus pass provided
or for each potential passenger served by a van shuttle. The
applicant shall be responsible for providing a list of bus pass holders
and van shuttle riders to the city annually for survey purposes.
Mixed-use Development Credit

Mixed-use developments located within ¼ mile of an existing transit
stop shall receive a parking credit of 10% of the total spaces required.
No parking study shall be required unless it is combined with another
credit request.
High-density Development Credit

Developments located within ¼ mile of an existing transit stop whose
average density exceeds the minimum required density by more than
50%, shall receive a parking credit of 10% of the total spaces
required. No parking study shall be required unless it is combined
with another credit request.
Maximum Reduction Allowed

Total cumulative reductions to the minimum off-street parking
requirements contained in Section 20.49.020 of the Sparks Municipal
Code through the application of any combination of the potential

credits and reductions listed above shall not exceed 25%, as

determined by the Administrator.
Bicycle Parking Required

All vehicle parking facilities containing less than 20 parking spaces
shall provide one bicycle rack where no less than four bikes may
be accommodated.
Vehicle parking facilities containing more than 20 parking spaces Pedestrian Connections
shall provide one bicycle rack to accommodate a minimum of four
bicycles plus room to accommodate two additional bicycles for
each additional ten spaces in the lot. No more than 50 bicycle THIS
parking spaces will be required.
Bicycle racks shall be placed within fifty feet of the primary
entrance of the building they are intended to serve.
Pedestrian Circulation and Connections
Intent
To provide a continuous and easily accessible pedestrian
circulation network within the TOD corridor area;
To ensure that new development within the TOD corridor area NOT THIS
provides an on-site pedestrian network providing direct access to
transit and the corridor-wide pedestrian circulation network;
To maintain a well-defined pattern of urban blocks within the TOD
corridor that provide frequent pedestrian connections to adjacent
neighborhoods and serve as a framework for a varied mix of uses;
and
To ensure future mixed-use activity centers within the corridor are
integrated with, rather than walled-off from adjacent
neighborhoods. Provide a continuous and easily
accessible pedestrian circulation
Design Standards network.
Block Pattern—General
New development shall work within the framework of the corridor’s
existing pattern of blocks to avoid creating large “superblocks,”
that limit pedestrian and vehicular circulation.
Where block consolidation is proposed (by right-of-way
abandonment), special consideration shall be given to pedestrian
and vehicular circulation patterns and access to surrounding
neighborhoods.

Maximum Block Lengths1
West of 15th Street

Maximum block lengths resulting from block consolidation shall be
limited to 425 feet x 260 feet.
East of 15th Street

Maximum block lengths resulting from block consolidation shall be
limited to 300 feet x 300 feet.
West of 15th Street East of 15th Street
Connections to Transit Corridor

Connections to Transit All buildings located within proximity of Prater Way, Victorian Avenue,
Corridor or other major transit corridors shall:
Orient the primary entrance towards the transit corridor; or,
Provide a direct pedestrian connection from the primary entrance
to the transit corridor using a walkway, breezeway, easement
between buildings, or similar feature that is accessible to the
public. Pedestrian connections shall not be along the periphery of
the site (essentially forcing the pedestrian to walk around the
building to access the main entrance from the transit corridor).
On-Site Circulation
All developments shall provide an on-site system of pedestrian
walkways designed to provide direct access and connections to and
Primary entrances must either be oriented
between the following:
to the transit corridor (left) or accessible
from a direct pedestrian connection The primary entrance or entrances to each building;
(right).
Any sidewalks or walkways on adjacent properties that extend to
the boundaries shared with the development;
1
Note: These numbers are based on average existing block sizes in these
locations.

Any sidewalk system along the perimeter streets adjacent to the

development;
Any transit stops (on-site or along an adjacent street);
Any adjacent residential uses; and Pedestrian Connections
Any adjacent or on-site public park, trail system, open space area,
greenway, or other public or civic use as applicable.
THIS
Pedestrian Crossings
At each point that a sidewalk or designated pedestrian walkway
crosses a parking lot, street, or driveway, the walkway shall be clearly
visible to pedestrians and motorists through the use of one or more of
the following delineation methods:
A change in paving material or paving color;
A change in paving height;
Decorative bollards;
A painted crosswalk; or NOT THIS
A raised median walkway buffered by landscaping.
Utility and Mechanical Equipment
Intent
To ensure that utility and mechanical equipment is fully screened
from adjacent streets and pedestrian walkways.
Provide a continuous and easily
Design Standards accessible pedestrian circulation
network.
Location & Screening
Utility and mechanical equipment shall be located out of view of
streets and pedestrian walkways (e.g., facing an adjacent alley) or
enclosed within the building.
Utility and mechanical equipment shall not be located at corners
or adjacent to transit stops.
Where utility and mechanical equipment cannot be located out of view
of primary streets and pedestrian walkways due to site constraints,
existing standards for screening utility and mechanical equipment
contained in the city’s Design Standards Manual shall be applied and
enforced.

Building Design and Character
Building Massing and Building Massing and Form

Form
Intent
THIS
Establish a high quality appearance for mixed-use and commercial
development through the incorporation of architectural detailing,
façade articulation, and other features designed to provide a more
distinct character and pedestrian scale; and
Emphasize the importance of providing visual interest at the street-
level where pedestrian activity is desired.
Design Standards
General
The perceived mass and scale of commercial and mixed-use buildings
shall be reduced by incorporating a series of smaller design elements
that are consistent with the development’s architectural character.
OR THIS Design elements shall include, but are not limited to at least 4 of the
following:
Variations in roof form and parapet heights;
Pronounced recesses and projections;
Distinct changes in texture and color of wall surfaces;
Ground level arcades;
Second floor galleries/balconies;
Cornices;
Protected and recessed entries;
Vertical accents or focal points; and
NOT THIS Enhanced window treatments.
Building Materials
Intent
To ensure that development within the TOD corridor is constructed of
durable materials that are compatible with and visually enhance the
character of the corridor and the surrounding neighborhood context.
Architectural detailing and façade
articulation establish a high quality
appearance.

Design Standards
Primary Building Materials
Primary Building Materials
Use of a range of building materials is encouraged within the corridor

to provide visual interest and promote the creation of a unique identity
for each activity center. In general, primary building materials shall be
durable and project an image of permanence typical of traditional
masonry storefronts found in areas of the Downtown Sparks Center
district. Appropriate materials include, but are not limited to:
Brick, stone, cast stone, or other masonry products;
Steel;
Split face block;
Composite siding; or
Comparable material as approved by the Administrator.
Tilt-up concrete panels are permitted provided they are “skinned” with
one of the permitted primary building materials as defined above.
Accent Materials
Accent materials may include:
Brick, split face block, stone, cast stone, masonry products;
Steel or other metals;
Composite siding;
Wood;
Stucco or EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems); or
Comparable material as approved by the Administrator.

Street Level Interest
Intent
To provide visual interest for the pedestrian at the street level in
areas where high levels of activity are desired such as along transit
corridors and within mixed-use activity centers.
Design Standards
Minimum Transparency—General
A minimum percentage of the total area of each street-level building
façade which abuts Prater Way, a pedestrian “main street,” plaza,
park, or other public space, shall be comprised of transparent window
openings to allow views of interior spaces and merchandise, to
enhance the safety of public spaces by providing direct visibility to the
Street-Level Windows street, and to create a more inviting environment for pedestrians.
Minimum percentages vary by location as follows:
THIS
Table 7: Minimum Transparency by Location
Location Minimum Transparency
Major/Minor Activity Center 45 percent

Within proximity of proposed BRT 35 percent
route (outside of designated activity
center)
Downtown Sparks Center 45 percent
NOT THIS For the purposes of the above standard, all percentages shall be
measured using elevation views of the building plan and “ground
floor” shall be measured from floor plate to floor plate. Transparency
requirements outlined above are not intended to apply to large-format
retail buildings incorporated as part of a larger mixed-use center.
These types of buildings typically have transparency requirements in
the range of 10-15 percent.
Street-Level Windows
Higher levels of activity can be The following standards shall apply to all street-level windows:
generated by providing visual
interest for the pedestrian at street Glazing on all ground floor windows shall have a minimum Visible
level. Light Transmittance of 0.65 and a maximum Visible Light
Reflectance of 0.2.
Black or mirrored glass is prohibited.

Primary Building Entrances

Primary Building
Primary building entrances shall be clearly distinguished through the Entrances
use of one or more of the following architectural features:
Covered walkways or arcades;
Awnings, canopies, or porches; and/or
Projected or recessed building mass.
Mix of Housing Types
Intent
To encourage a diverse mix of housing types, price, and size within
activity centers and the corridor as a whole; and
To support regional housing objectives.
Design Standards
Mix of Housing Types
Mixed-use developments within the corridor shall incorporate a mix of
housing types and densities based upon their size, location, and the
surrounding neighborhood context. Table 8 establishes the minimum
number of housing types required for developments within each of the
three mixed-use land use categories by size.
Table 8: Minimum Number of Housing Types
Land Use Category/Site Size # of Housing Types
Required
Mixed-Use Commercial*
Less than 10 acres 1
10-20 acres 2
Greater than 20 acres 3
Mixed Residential*
Less than 5 acre 1
5-15 acres 2
Downtown Sparks Center*
Less than 5 acre 1
* Developments that include a vertical mix of uses may reduce the number
of housing types required by one.
To satisfy the above requirement, housing types may include:

Duplexes;

Townhomes;
Apartments;
Condominiums;
Granny Flats/Carriage Units (accessory dwellings);
Live-work units; or
Single-family.
Structured Parking
Intent
To ensure that parking structures are compatible with the
surrounding development context and provide an attractive
environment at the pedestrian level.
Design Standards
Parking Structures
Parking Structures
THIS Parking structures shall be “wrapped” with retail, office, or residential
uses along a minimum of 50% of their street frontage to provide visual
interest and to create pedestrian activity at the street level. Alternative
requirements may be determined by the Administrator for sites less
than 2 acres or sites without sufficient depth in which to accommodate
both parking and a usable retail, office, or residential space.
Active uses, such as retail shops and/or restaurants, should be focused

along those facades adjacent to or most visible from primary street
frontages or major pedestrian walkways. Facades of parking
structures not occupied by retail, residential, or office space shall be
NOT THIS
articulated through the use of three or more of the following
architectural features;
Windows or window shaped openings;
Masonry columns;
Decorative wall insets or projections;
Awnings;
Changes in color or texture of materials;
Approved public art;
Integrated landscape planters; or
Parking structures must be “wrapped” Other features as approved by the Administrator.
with retail, office, or residential uses
along 50% of their street frontage at
street level activity.

Relationship to Surrounding Development

Transitions
Intent
To allow for increased development intensity within designated
activity centers and within proximity of Prater Way, Victorian
Avenue, or other major transit corridors while protecting the
character of established single-family residential neighborhoods
within the corridor; and
To ensure that the massing and height of infill and redevelopment
is compatible with adjacent residential neighborhoods.
Design Standards
Transitions—General
Mixed-use and commercial development that is located adjacent to an
established single-family residential neighborhood shall be designed
to minimize impacts on adjacent homes by:
Limiting exterior lighting to full-cutoff shielded fixtures and directing
lights away from adjacent properties;
Limiting sources of audible noise (e.g., heating and air
conditioning units) from building facades that face lower intensity
uses; and
Locating off-street parking, loading, and service areas away from
the shared property and incorporating them into the design of
buildings they are intended to serve.
In addition to the above standard, the following considerations are
strongly encouraged:
Placing windows on the new development so as to maintain
privacy by avoiding direct lines of sight into adjacent homes; and
Orienting balconies and other outdoor living spaces away from a
shared property line.

2 4
Transitions in Height and Mass

Transitions between mixed-use and commercial areas and adjacent
residential neighborhoods shall be provided by utilizing the following
techniques, as applicable:
1. Concentrating tallest buildings at the center of the site or
along primary street frontages;
2. Providing gradual decreases in building height and mass
so that new structures are a maximum of 24 feet in height
along the shared lot line or a maximum of 36 feet height
along the shared lot line or street frontage; or
3. Incorporating lower-intensity housing types (e.g.,
townhomes, duplexes, etc.) along a shared street frontage.

Definitions 33
Chapter 5: Definitions
As used in this document, the following terms shall mean:
Accent Material—Material that is secondary to the primary building material in terms of its
quantity, or that contrasts with the primary building material. Accent materials generally cover
twenty-five percent or less of the wall elevation.
Activity Center—Compact, mixed-use areas that offer pedestrian- and transit-friendly environments
established on the Land Use Framework map. Activity centers are classified as either minor or
major.
Activity Center, Major—Activity centers designated on the Land Use Framework map where more
intensive patterns of development are desired, planned, or currently in place.
Activity Center, Minor—Activity centers designated on the Land Use Framework map where a
concentration of activity is desired to serve the surrounding neighborhood. Minor activity centers
have less intensive patterns of development than major activity centers.
Adjacent— A lot or parcel of land that shares all or part of a common lot line with another lot or
parcel of land.
Building Mass—The three-dimensional bulk of a building height, width, and depth.
Building Scale—The size and proportion of a building relative to surrounding buildings and
environs, adjacent streets, and pedestrians.
Build-To Zone—The Build-To Zone is defined by a minimum percentage of each building façade
that shall be shall be built to the minimum setback. The balance of the building shall be built at a
distance not to exceed the maximum build-to line.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)— A system that allows bus vehicles to operate on a right-of-way that is
largely separated from other types of traffic.
Character—Those attributes, qualities, and features that make up and distinguish a
neighborhood, street, or an individual development project and give such place or project a sense
of purpose, function, definition, and uniqueness.
Elevation—The external faces of a building; also a mechanically accurate, “head-on” drawing of
any one face (or elevation) of a building or object, without any allowance for the effect of the laws
of perspective.
Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)—EIFS is commonly known as synthetic stucco, is an
exterior cladding system composed of an adhesively or mechanically fastened foam insulation
board, reinforcing mesh, a base coat, and an outer finish coat. EIFS is available in various colors
and external textures designed to look like traditional stucco.
Façade—Any side of a building that faces a street, parking lot, or other open space. The "front
façade" is the front of a building.
Hotel--“Hotel” means every building or other structure kept, maintained, advertised, or held out to
the public to be a place where sleeping accommodations are offered at daily rates to transient
guests. Hotels must have a minimum of fifty rooms used for sleeping accommodations in a single
or connected structure where access to the sleeping rooms is through a foyer and hallways.

34 Definitions
Horizontal Mixed-Use—refers to a pattern where several types of uses or buildings are included as
part of a cohesive development in proximity to each other with each building containing its own
separate use. An example would be a development site that might include an area for residential
uses, an office building, and a retail center. They would be designed as a set of coordinated uses
with common parking areas, strong pedestrian connections, and similar design features, but
would contain separate uses in each building.
Infill—Development on a vacant or substantially vacant tract of land surrounded by existing
development.
Large Format Retail—Retail building that exceeds 50,000 square feet in gross floor area.
Live/Work Dwelling—A dwelling unit used for both dwelling purposes and any nonresidential use
permitted in the zoning district in which the unit is located, provided that not more than two
persons who do not reside in the unit are employed on the premises.
Motel--“Motel” means every building or other structure kept, maintained, advertised, or held out
to the public to be a place that provides five or more rooms as sleeping accommodations offered
at a daily rate to transient guests where access to the rooms is from the outside.
Major Transit Corridors—In accordance with the Land Use Framework map and the Multi-Modal
Framework map contained in the adopted TOD Corridor Master Plan, corridors with BRT routes
and conceptual future fixed transit routes. Major transit corridors include Victorian Avenue and
Prater Way.
Not Within Proximity of BRT—Parcels that are located more than 400 feet or 1-block (whichever is
greater) from the proposed BRT and are not located within a designated major activity center.
Orient—To bring in relation to, or adjust to, the surroundings, situation, or environment; to place
with the most important parts (e.g., the primary building entrance and the designated "front" of a
building) facing in certain directions; or to set or arrange in a determinate position, as in "to orient
a building."
Podium Parking—Parking garage that is completely enclosed at the ground level of a building,
beneath the building’s occupied levels. Podium parking is generally designed with an open floor
plan and a single access point to serve multiple users.
Bus Rapid Tranist (BRT) Route—The BRT Route for the corridor shall be as identified in the Multi-
Modal Framework Plan chapter of the adopted TOD Corridor Master Plan.
Primary Material—Material covering seventy-five percent or more of the wall elevation.
Redevelopment—Development on a tract of land with existing structures where all or most of the
existing structures would be razed and a new structure or structures built.
Research and Development—The investigation into the natural, physical, or social sciences, and
may include engineering and product development.
Smog Shop—Smog shops are stations authorized to perform emissions tests and complete
emissions-related repairs as long as the station has a 2G license from the State of Nevada. Other
stations with a 1G license from the State of Nevada, may perform tests but are prohibited from
performing emissions-related repairs.
Standards—Mandatory regulations. Standards are indicated by use of the terms “shall” and
“must.”

Definitions 35
Tandem Parking—A parking space which is positioned in such a manner that it is necessary to
pass through one parking space to access the other from a street, lane or driveway.
Tuck-under Garages—Garages dedicated for use by residents of individual units within a multi-
family building, such as a townhome or apartment complex, that occupy the first floor (either
partially or in its entirety) of a multi-floor building and are usually clustered into large groups of
garages with each unit’s garage being accessed via separate garage doors from the alley or
street.
Vertical Mixed-Use—Refers to two or more land-use types within a building, occurring on different
floors. A typical example of a vertical mixed-use building would incorporate active uses such as
stores, offices, and restaurants at the street level and residential and/or office uses on the upper
floors.
Visible Light Transmittance-- An optical property that indicates the amount of visible light
transmitted. The higher the visible transmittance, the more light is transmitted. A high visible
transmittance is desirable to maximize daylight.
Within Proximity of BRT—Parcels that are located within 400 feet or 1-block (whichever is greater)
of the proposed BRT, or that are located within a designated major activity center.

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SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR

Mixed-Use and Commercial Design Manual

ADOPTED JULY 2009

Chapter 2: Determining Land Use Type and Mix ................................................. 5

Chapter 3: Intensity and Dimensional Standards ................................................ 11

Chapter 4: Design and Development Standards ................................................. 13

Chapter 5: Definitions ................................................................................... 33

SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR | MIXED-USE & COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL

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MIXED-USE AND COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL | SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR

Table 1: Applicability by Land Use Category

SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR | MIXED-USE & COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL

Contents of this Design Manual

Chapter 2: Determining Land Use Mix and Type

Chapter 3: Intensity and Dimensional Standards

Chapter 4: Design and Development Standards

MIXED-USE AND COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL | SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR

Legend Land Use Framework*

0 0.125 0.25 0.5

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MIXED-USE AND COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL | SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR

Chapter 2: Determining Land Use

Table 2: Permitted/Prohibited Uses

SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR | MIXED-USE & COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL

P = Permitted; X = Not Allowed; S = Special Use Permit Required

MIXED-USE AND COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL | SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR

P = Permitted; X = Not Allowed; S = Special Use Permit Required

SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR | MIXED-USE & COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL

Special Use Criteria

Required Mix of Uses

How to Determine Appropriate Mix and

MIXED USE AND COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL | SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR

Table 3: Required Mix of Uses by Land Use Designation/Site Size/Location

SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR | MIXED-USE & COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL

Siting Considerations for Mixed-Use Projects

Ground Floor Uses

Relationship of Uses (Vertical vs. Horizontal)

MIXED USE AND COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL

Chapter 3: Intensity and

Intensity and Dimensional Standards

SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR | MIXED-USE & COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL

Table 4: Intensity and Dimensional Standards

0.75 0.5 0.75 0.5 1.5 1.0

Minimum Lot 6,000 s.f.

Maximum 45[4] 150[4] 90[4] none[4]

MIXED USE AND COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL | SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR

Chapter 4: Design and

Design Standards NOT THIS

SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR | MIXED-USE & COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL

1. The corners of street intersections or entry points into the

Building Organization—Major Activity Centers

MIXED-USE & COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL | SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR

Integration of Residential Uses

Min 60-80% of Primary Street Frontage

SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR | MIXED-USE & COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL

Mixed Residential 15 percent

MIXED-USE & COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL | SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR

Streetscape Design and Character

All development located along Prater Way, Victorian Avenue, or a

SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR | MIXED-USE & COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL

Street Tree/Furniture Zone

MIXED-USE & COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL | SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR

SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR | MIXED-USE & COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL

Parking and Circulation

MIXED-USE & COMMERCIAL DESIGN MANUAL | SPARKS TOD CORRIDOR

Incentive: Parking Lot Screening

Any sidewalk system along the perimeter streets adjacent to the